Adult Immunisation Status and The Affecting Factors In A Tertiary University Hospital Family Medicine Clinic

Abstract

Objective: Although vaccines are available for adulthood, adult vaccination rates are lower than desired. Our study aimed to examine the adult vaccination status of the individuals who applied to our outpatient clinic, the reasons for vaccination and rejection, and their relationship with sociodemographic variables.

Methods: A form including questions about sociodemographic data, medical history characteristics, vaccination status after 18 years of age, and the reasons for vaccination and non-vaccination was applied to the participants. Through face-to-face interviews, a sample of 500 people was selected from individuals aged 18 and over, who applied to the Medical Faculty Hospital Family Medicine Polyclinic.

Results: 47.4% of the participants had been vaccinated after 18. The adult vaccination status was increased as the age, education level, and the number of children increased. However, adult vaccination statuses decreased as the number of family members increased. Adult vaccination rates were lower in those with a poor income level perception, unemployed and singles, healthcare workers, those who quit smoking, regular drug users, those with chronic and cardiovascular system diseases or those with a history of hospitalisation. Participants who did not accept the vaccination recommendations were older and had low educational backgrounds. About decisions for vaccination, 68.2% of the participants stated that they took the recommendations of their family physicians, 66.4% considered the recommendations of specialist physicians, and 16.2% stated that they followed the vaccination recommendations themselves, even if someone else did not recommend them.

Conclusion: In our country (Turkey), it is seen that the rate of vaccination for adults is lower than childhood vaccination rates. While adult vaccination was positively affected by the increase in education level and increased contact with health services, it appears to be negatively affected by the deterioration in income and increase in the number of household members. All healthcare professionals, especially family physicians, have an important role in increasing the awareness of the importance of immunisation.